Congratulatory Announcements
January - June 2022
New York Theological Seminary Welcomes Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and Bishop John Richard Bryant as New Adjunct Faculty members.
This Course will be Virtual!
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr. and Supervisor Irene M Daniels’ youngest daughter, Iesha M. Daniels was elected as the 83rd Miss Howard University
In Fall 2021, Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr. and Supervisor Irene M Daniels’ youngest daughter, Iesha MArdea Daniels was elected as the 83rd Miss Howard University. She is a Senior Acting Major, Playwriting Minor. She is a proud member of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Iesha loves to make people laugh, meet new people, and artistically collaborate. She was an actress, assistant director, and writer for the Tony Award-Winning Theater, Arena Stage. She has also performed at Howard University as Guhahamuka in Children of Killers by Katori Hall. Iesha's ultimate goal is to become an actress, director, and social impact producer where she aims to dismantle the negative stereotypes of black women in the entertainment industry, especially colorism. She is currently an intern at Jordan Peele’s Academy Award-winning film company Monkeypaw Productions. Iesha is proud to be a 2021 Graduate of the Academy Gold Rising program hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Iesha is also passionate about her Howard community. She was the 2018 - 2019 Miss Freshman and the 2020-2021 Miss College of Arts and Science. For her current role as Miss Howard University, she ran on the platform, “It’s Giving!”, which highlighted inclusivity and connectivity as Howard University readjusted having its first year back on campus after 3 virtual semesters. This past semester Iesha has had the opportunity to host many events on campus: She partnered with UGG and @winxlex to educate on sustainable fashion and gave out over $500 worth of free UGG merchandise. She partnered with @HBCUBuzz to host conversations around new upcoming films and series that highlight Black art: Horror Noire on AMC or Amazon Prime Video and the reboot of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on Peacock. She was a student ambassador for Chase Bank and Kevin Hart’s financial literacy workshops on campus for young Black artists and investors. She has also partnered with the National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda to give out free menstrual products to students on campus and to educate them about menstruation as a means to destigmatize periods. Lastly, Iesha and her Mister Howard University, Ro, threw a holiday film screening on The Yard and served hot chocolate as their final send-off before winter break commenced.
Iesha is blessed to be in this role. She is excited to finish as strongly as she started, and even more excited to launch her postgrad career in Los Angeles, CA.
*Detroit native Jamal Simmons (AME PK) hired as communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris –
The Reverend Larry Harris is pleased to announce that his son, Jamal Simmons has been appointed to serve as Vice President Kamala Harris’ Communications Director. Jamal Simmons is a member of both Baber Memorial AME in Detroit where Reverend Simon serves as Pastor, and Metropolitan AME in Washington DC.
Jamal has worked on a number of presidential campaigns, including those of Bill Clinton and Al Gore, and he was an adviser to the Democratic National Committee for the 2008 race. He also has appeared on Hill.TV and NPR’s Hear and Now and was founding editor of The Beat DC and hosted their weekly podcast. He has a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and a master’s in public policy degree from Harvard University.
A Detroit, Michigan, native, he arrived in Harris's office with decades of political communications and campaign experience, including on former President Bill Clinton's traveling press team during his 1992 presidential campaign and as deputy communications director for Al Gore's presidential campaign.
News link:
https://deadline.com/2022/01/jamal-simmons-kamala-harris-communications-director-1234905572
Please keep Jamal lifted in prayer.
Congratulatory messages can be email to proud father, Rev Larry l Simmons Sr., of Pastor: llsr@aol.com
The Reverend Veda Stewart Pastor of Barnes Temple AME Church, Elsmere KY successfully defended her dissertation
The Reverend Veda Stewart, Pastor of Barnes Temple AME Church, Elsmere, KY, successfully defended her dissertation entitled “Special Considerations Process in Gifted Identification: Increasing Access and Equitable Practices for Underrepresented Population in an Urban School District” and now holds a EdD in Educational Policy and Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.
Congratulatory Messages may be sent to: Dr. Veda Stewart at sisvpower@icloud.com.
Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Historiographer / Executive Director, Department of Research and Scholarship, celebrates the birth of her first grandchild Jonathan David Perr
Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Historiographer / Executive Director, Department of Research and Scholarship, celebrates the birth of her first grandchild Jonathan David Perry on February 9, 2022, at 10:23 AM to her daughter Dr. Veronica Perry and her son-in-law Mr. Jonathan Perry.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
Dr. Teresa Fry Brown
938 Olivia Drive
Snellville, GA 30039
Dr. Christina Dickerson Cousin, Ph.D., the daughter of Ret. General Officer Dennis C. Dickerson, Sr., Ph.D. and Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson has published BLACK INDIANS AND FREEDMEN
Dr. Christina Dickerson Cousin, Ph.D., the daughter of Retired General Officer Dennis C. Dickerson, Sr., Ph.D. and Mrs. Mary Anne Eubanks Dickerson, has published BLACK INDIANS AND FREEDMEN: THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH & INDIGENOUS AMERICANS, 1816-1916 (Urbana, University of Illinois Press, 2021). She is married to Reverend Steven A. Cousin, Jr., the pastor of Bethel AME Church in New Haven, Connecticut and they are the parents of two sons, Steven III and Samuel. She is Assistant Professor of History at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut and a member of the editorial board of METHODIST HISTORY. She received the B.A. (Summa Cum Laude) in history from Spelman College where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. While at Spelman, she studied for a semester at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. She earned the M.A. and Ph.D. in history from Vanderbilt University.
*Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill appointed to the Senate of Bermuda, the upper house of the island's Parliament and also appointed a junior government minister in the Ministry of Transportation and National Security
The Progressive Labour Party is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill to our Senate team to serve as Junior Minister for Transportation & National Security.
Senator Rev. Dr. Dill was educated at The Berkeley Institute and Sandys Secondary School. Her Bachelor of Arts was in English and Secondary Education from the esteemed Spelman College in Atlanta, with a minor in Music and Theater. She later obtained her Master's Degree from the Interdenominational Theology Center in Atlanta with a concentration in Leadership Development and Pastoral Counseling. Senator Rev. Dr. Dill completed her Doctorate in Leadership Development and Organization Dynamics from the United-Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and her Human Resources Director Certification from Cornell University.
Senator Rev. Dr. Dill is an ordained Minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She has worked in the Bermuda Public School System as a teacher, an Educational Therapist and as a Counselor. These skills sets will be of great value in her new role as the Junior Minister of National Security and Transport.
Premier David Burt said:” I welcome Rev. Dr. Emily Gail Dill to the Senate and congratulate her on her appointment as a junior minister. She has answered a call to serve at an important time in Bermuda and I am grateful for her willingness to embark on this new facet of her already extensive public service.
She brings to her appointments as Senator and Junior Minister considerable strengths in the arts, education and ministry and a genuine empathy for the needs of others. Her record of work and success with Bermuda's youth through the Alternative Education programme will add to the dedicated team at the Ministry of National Security who are focused on tackling the root causes of gang violence.
I am grateful to her for accepting this challenge and I look forward to her reasoned contributions to debates and her strong voice in support of this Government’s legislative agenda.”
Senator Dill is married to Rev. Howard Dill, the Senior Pastor at Allen Temple AME Church, Sandys.
The PLP is confident that the Senator's education, community service, and professional experience, will be a valuable asset to our Senate Team as they work on behalf of all Bermudians.
Premier’s Remarks - The Appointment and Swear-in of Rev. Dr. EmilyGail Dill
Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She is the recent former 1st Episcopal District WIM President, Dean of the Ministerial Institute of the Bermuda Annual Conference, married to Presiding Elder Rev. Howard Dill, Senior Pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Sandys where she serves as Assistant Pastor.
Congratulatory messages to Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill can be emailed to: emilygail_dill@yahoo.com
|
*Bishop Francine A. Brookins, 141st Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District is the Newly Elected Vice Chair of the Pan-Methodist Commission.
|
|
|
|
*The Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine Member of the Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- New Book Interview -
An Interview with Jay Augustine, Author of 'Called to Reconciliation' Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Cover Justice, Diversity and Inclusion,” was released on February 8th by Baker Academic. It is available wherever books are sold. The Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine Jonathan C. Augustine (a/k/a “Jay Augustine”) is a pastor and professor, as well as an author and advocate. He is part of a group of national social justice leaders who speak for the equality of all human beings, while advocating for policies of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Augustine is the recipient of many notable awards, including President Barack Obama’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year” Award (2017), Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award (2004) and Ebony Magazine’s “30 Leaders of the Future” (2001). He earned a B.A., in economics, from Howard University, before serving as a decorated, active-duty infantry officer in the United States Army. Immediately after his military service, Dr. Augustine earned his law degree from Tulane University and served as a law clerk to then-Associate Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson at the Louisiana Supreme Court. After holding publicly elected and gubernatorially appointed office in Louisiana, he accepted the calling to ordained ministry and earned his Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, before completing a fellowship for further study at Princeton Theological Seminary. Augustine also earned his doctorate from Duke University.
Thema Bryant PhD, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Thema Bryant, an ordained minister and daughter of Bishop John R. Bryant and Supervisor Rev. Cecelia W. Bryant, is taking over leadership of the American Psychological Association at a critical turning point for the field. BALTIMORE — The day after the American Psychological Association’s newest leader pitched her vision for the organization to dozens of her colleagues in D.C., she walked into Maryland’s oldest Black church and stepped up to the wooden pulpit where her father and grandfather used to preach. “Hallelujah,” Thema Bryant, 48, said, smiling as her voice boomed through the century-old sanctuary at the Bethel AME Church in West Baltimore. “It’s good to be home.” Bryant, who was elected in December to lead the nation’s largest organization for psychologists, grew up in these pews. It was here she first met people who were hurting — from racism, gun violence, addiction — and saw how they could recover. “You all raised me,” Bryant said, addressing the all-Black congregation for the first time since the pandemic started. “And let me tell you, I’ve not forgotten.” A tenured professor at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, Bryant is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, an outspoken survivor of sexual assault, a daughter to two ministers and a sister to a popular Georgia pastor who recently went on a hunger strike for voting rights. She spent part of her teenage years in Liberia, where she witnessed the start of its first civil war. Bryant represents a different future for psychology, her colleagues say, at a turning point for the field where both providers and recipients of care have long been disproportionately White. President Biden recently pledged more mental health support for “Black and Brown communities” the pandemic, though a rash of high-profile suicides over the last year suggests the issue is deeper and more intransigent than officials anticipate. Even before the pandemic, rates of suicide were rising among Black adolescents faster than any other racial or ethnic group. Demand for culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services has surged in the face of worsening depression among Black and Latino people, though according to the 2019 censuses data, fewer than one in five psychologists are people of color and fewer than one in 30 is Black. Those pushing to remake the field see Bryant as a key figure with potential to make a tangible difference. She has spent her career studying trauma recovery and was among the first psychologists to assert, about two decades ago, that racism can be traumatic. She’s unapologetic about working outside staid conventions, whether that means breaking out in song while delivering keynote speeches, talking about her recovery from sexual assault on her podcast, or going on Instagram as “Dr. Thema” to discuss Black liberation with her 306,000 followers. Thema Bryant was elected in 2021 to lead the American Psychological Association. A specialist in trauma recovery, Bryant has long called for the field of psychology to recognize and treat the trauma of racism and to be more inclusive toward people of color. Bryant represents a different future for psychology, her colleagues say, at a turning point for the field where both providers and recipients of care have long been disproportionately White. Now, she’s preparing to head up the 130,000-member APA, an influential organization that among other things, sets guidelines for psychological treatment and practice, promotes research, and provides expertise that shapes legislation and court decisions. Bryant, who will take over in 2023, says her goal is to bring “psychology to the people.” She wants to host a conference in Washington that focuses on practical ways to cope with trauma, inviting laypeople — instead of just licensed psychologists — to speak and participate. She wants to craft codes on “decolonizing psychology,” showing mental health professionals how to use song, dance, and other forms of culture in their treatment. And she wants to produce a documentary highlighting psychologists of color and what they’re doing to expand access to care. The people Bryant grew up around at Bethel were often skeptical of the medical establishment and almost never spoke openly about mental illness, she said. But they had their own ways of dealing with suffering. They’d find catharsis singing Gospel songs or dancing to soul and hip-hop. They’d grieve at healing circles or confide in her father, Pastor John Bryant. Her first exposure to mental health came mixed in with discussions on art, justice, and work — and now, as a clinical psychologist, she’s made this approach her trademark. So, who does the field leave out if it dismisses religion? Who misses out if deep, rigorous mental health care is thought only to occur inside the four walls of a clinic? “The things she says sometimes, I want to run for cover,” her father, John Bryant, said one recent afternoon. Retired in Baltimore with his wife, he sometimes feels his heart race, he said, when he watches his daughter talking about the trauma of white supremacy to an auditorium full of White people in Mississippi. “Oh, but she always does it with a smile,” Cecelia Williams Bryant replied. “She speaks the truth with love." Congratulatory messages can be emailed to Bishopjohn4th@aol.com.
*Marvin Frank Curtis Zanders Juris Doctorate Candidate The Dean, Faculty and Staff of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law announce the hooding of Marvin Frank Curtis Zanders a Juris Doctorate Candidate at the annual Hooding Ceremony on Saturday, May Seventh, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two at 10 o’clock in the morning; Hyatt Grand Cypress , One Grand Cypress Boulevard , Orlando, Florida.
The journey continues…….. Upon completion of the Florida Bar, Zanders will relocate to New York to acquire a Master of Law (LLM) degree in Taxation from the prestigious New York University. Marvin Frank Curtis Zanders is the son of Bishop Marvin Clyde Zanders II, the 140th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mrs. Winifred Houston Zanders; Presiding Prelate and Supervisor of the Sixteenth Episcopal District; Guyana/Suriname, Virgin Islands, European, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Windward Islands. Ways to Congratulate the Graduate: Cash App – SYSLFRANK Zelle – marvin.zanders@yahoo.com By Mail: 4003 Eagle Landing Parkway Orange Park, Florida 32065
Thank you for your love and support! Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: zpas@bellsouth.net (Bishop Marvin C. Zanders, II and Supervisor Winifred H. Zanders ).
*How a LSU professor is impacting those battling cancer through his passion for swimming
(From left to right) Senior vice president of principal gifts and CFRE Ann Marie Marmande helps present the Kuumba Community Service Award to Rev. Dr. Herman Kelly of Bethel Ame Church alongside vice provost for diversity and chief diversity officer Dr. Dereck J. Rovaris at the Clarence L. Barney, Jr. African American Cultural Center (AACC) Jazz Brunch on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in the LSU Club at Union Square. LSU professor Herman Kelly, an African American Studies instructor and pastor, raised over $11, 000 last year for the Hematology and Oncology Clinic of Baton Rouge to financially support patients going through cancer treatment, including his late wife of 37 years, Linda. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., is the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kelly partnered with Coach Nan Fontenot of Crawfish Aquatics to host a swim fundraiser event, called “Swim for Life”. This year he is calling the event “Swim for Linda”. This is the name of the scholarship that “Swim for Life” created in his wife's honor. The scholarship is given to students who are cancer survivors themselves and Kelly has a say in who receives the scholarship. “My connection with the LSU community has given me a platform to do something good with my passion," Kelly said. "I am a students’ professor, and I am gifted that my students love me just as much as I love them. I always wanted to teach, and as a pastor of 24 years, I see this as an extension of my ministry.” This year’s fundraiser took place on Saturday, April 16th at Crawfish Aquatics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kelly hoped LSU swimmer Brooks Curry, an Olympian and National Champion, would make an appearance. Contributions for assisting Herman Kelly in raising money for cancer patients can be found below. https://impact.patientadvocate.org/campaign/swim-for-life/c392347 “Find something in the community that you’re passionate about,” Kelly said. “I happen to be passionate about helping people who are less fortunate, children who don’t know how to swim, people who are going through cancer treatment. I want to help people going through this, because it's a lot of money, and they need support.”
*AME Minister Reverend Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler candidate for Georgia Secretary of State receives Noble Peace Prize Nomination for Global Leadership
Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Democratic Party is running for election for Georgia Secretary of State. Dawkins-Haigler is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on May 24, 2022. Dawkins-Haigler (Democratic Party) was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing District 91. Dawkins-Haigler assumed office in 2008. Dawkins-Haigler left office in 2017.
Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. named a game changer by Humana at the 2022 Senior National Games in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
*The Rev. Dr. Mark L. Griffin honored by the Step-by-Step 4 Help Foundation, Inc.
Congratulations are extended to the Reverend Dr. Mark L. Griffin on the occasion of being honored by the Step-by-Step 4 Help Foundation, Inc. with their 2022 Community Hero Humanitarian Award at their Shades of Green Inaugural Gala held on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Schultz Center in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Griffin serves as the servant leader of Wayman Temple AME Church (ONE Church - TWO Locations), Jacksonville, Florida (East Conference - 11th Episcopal District). Congratulatory messages may be sent to: Dr. Mark L. Griffin Email: mgriffin@wayman.org
*Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram and Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram Celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, June 11, 2022
(Memories shared by Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram)
*William (Billy) Davis Howard University Law Graduate has been named one of the First Entertainment Law and Policy Fellows with the Motion Picture Association
The Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond Virginia, First Family, the Rev. Reuben J. Boyd Jr., and First Lady Sis. Sonja D. Boyd, president of the Virginia Conference M-SWAWO Plus PK’s is proud to announce that their RAYAC member and former Area and local YPDER William (Billy) Davis, has been named one of the first entertainment law and policy fellows with the motion picture association. This program is in partnership with our HBCU’s. William A. Davis, 2021 Howard Law graduate has been announced as part of the inaugural class of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP) Entertainment Law & Policy Fellowship program. This unique and prestigious one-year fellowship targets high-performing recent college, university, and law student graduates from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic serving institutions (HSIs), and other minority serving institutions (MSIs). The fellowship is designed to expand the pipeline and grow opportunities for graduates from diverse backgrounds to enter the entertainment industry. “Howard University School of Law played a pivotal role in developing my interest in entertainment law. The various organizations that I was exposed to at HUSL helped me to understand possibilities that were available in this field. Before coming to Howard, I knew that I wanted to work in entertainment law, but Howard helped me home in on intellectual property, and for that, I am extremely grateful,” said Davis. “I am elated to be the inaugural EICOP-MPA Entertainment Law Fellow. Being graced with the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet key players in the entertainment industry has been extremely fulfilling. I look forward to what the program has to offer for the duration of my time in this role.” The MPA-EICOP Entertainment Law & Policy Fellowship is a ground-breaking one-year program. Fellows will rotate from the MPA’s office in Los Angeles to its global headquarters in Washington, D.C., and conclude the program at one of the association’s member studios: Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony Pictures, or Warner Bros. The fellowship is designed to eliminate barriers to entry into the entertainment industry by providing financial support, paid housing and travel, and a living expenses stipend. “We are the leading global advocate of the film, television, and streaming industry, representing some of the largest content creators in the world. This fellowship program reflects our commitment to expanding and diversifying the pipeline for talent not only in front of and behind the camera but also within our association,” said Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association. “William and Rhyan were selected based on their strong interest in pursuing policy and law in the entertainment industry, remarkable academic achievements, and recommendations, as well as extensive community service and dynamic leadership. The MPA and our member studios are thrilled to have them both join us as our inaugural MPA-EICOP Entertainment Law & Policy Fellows.” “No matter what you study in school or what your background is, there are opportunities and a place for you in the entertainment industry,” said Stacy Milner, president, and CEO of the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program. “These incredible fellows prove that, and we can’t wait to see the impact they make on the industry as a part of this unique program.” Throughout the year-long program, fellows will gain experience alongside some of the industry’s leading senior-level legal and government affairs executives. In addition to the program’s in-depth, hands-on exposure to various sectors of entertainment law and policy, fellows will go on-site to studio lots and visit top entertainment law firms. They will also interact with other industry professionals and peers at networking and industry-related functions to round out their experience. Fellows were vetted through a comprehensive, highly competitive process. The selection committee responsible for assessing and reviewing applicants represents executives and leaders from the following organizations: Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), Japanese American Citizens League, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Urban League, Native American Media Alliance, U.S. House of Representatives’ Office on Diversity and Inclusion, White House Initiative on Advancing Education Equity for Hispanics, and White House Initiative on HBCUs. SEE FULL ARTICLE:
*Congratulations to 2nd LT Sir Wellington Hartford Brookins on being accepted into the Master’s program in Space Studies at the American Military University
Sir Wellington Hartford Brookins, 2nd Lt in U.S. Space Force and son of the Late Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, the ninety-first Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the A.M.E. Church and Rev. Dr. Rosalynn Kyle Brookins has been accepted into the American Military University Master's Program in Space Studies for Summer Classes beginning on July 8, 2022.
*Bishop Phillip and Supervisor Cousin were both awarded the AmeriCorps President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award from the White House
Bishop Phillip and Episcopal Supervisor Dr. M. Joan Cousin were each awarded the AmeriCorps President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award. This special recognition from the White House is given to persons with over 4,000 or more hours of community service verified by a sponsoring organization. Bishop and Supervisor Cousin have a distinguished record of working with faith-based and community organizations during their active ministry and their retirement.
*Episcopal Supervisor Retired Dr. M. Joan Cousin Celebrates Her 90th Birthday
Dr. M. Joan Cousin has dedicated her time and talent to a crusade against HIV and AIDS. She has successfully established centers impacting this critical health area around the world. She was cited by President Bush for AIDS Education and the Center for Disease Control and the Congressional Records of the United States for her consistent commitment to HIV/AIDS education. As the spouse of African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Philip R. Cousin, she has remained methodical in programmatic efforts to empower lives. Her desire for women to tell their life experiences for future generations inspired the book, How I Got Over, edited by Dr. Bettye J. Allen and Dr. Trevy A. McDonald, is a collection of stories that are testimonies of faith, hope, courage, and love. She is the 2012 Recipient of the Bishop’s Humanitarian Award and of the 2022 AmeriCorps President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award received from the Whitehouse for over 4,000 or more hours of community service. She and her husband are the proud parents of five sons who are pastors in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Philip, Jr., Steven, David, Michael, and Joseph. They have 2 granddaughters, twelve grandsons and a host of great grands. *The Reverend Carolyn C. Cavaness has been selected as one of City & State's PA Forty Under 40
Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness, Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania is honored to have been selected on @cityandstatepa's PA Forty Under 40 List. The full issue can be viewed here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/bundy/rsma/#p=1 Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to: cccphilly@gmail.com
|
*The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry 122nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Celebrates 85th Birthday August 25, 2022
The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first woman appointed to be a presiding elder in the Fifth Episcopal District of the AME Church and the second woman to become a bishop in the denomination.
Bishop Guidry was born on August 25, 1937, in Jackson, Mississippi. Tyler-Guidry attended J.P. Campbell College in Jackson and received an Associate of Arts Degree in Business and Secretarial Science degree. She then began working for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Tyler-Guidry held the women's voter registration chair. In 1964, she was hired by the Security Pacific Bank in California where she worked for twelve years.
In 1977, she attended the Los Angeles Bible School to pursue the path of ministry, and was ordained as an itinerant Elder that year. She then served as the pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Indio, California, where she oversaw renovations to the church and parsonage, and the creation of a day care center. In 1983, she was appointed to the Cain Memorial A.M.E. Church in Bakersfield, California, where she served for five years. Cary B. Tyler, her first husband, died in 1988.
In 1989, she became the first female to be appointed to a major metropolitan church when she was appointed to the Walker Temple A.M.E. Church, with 600 members, in Los Angeles.
In 1994, she became the first female appointed to presiding elder in the Fifth Episcopal District. In this role she oversaw 19 churches in Los Angeles. She ran for election for bishop in 1996 and 2000; while her first two efforts were unsuccessful, her willingness to stand for election helped raise visibility for women clergy. In 2000, Vashti Murphy McKensie become the first woman elected bishop in the A.M.E. Church. In July 2004, she became the second woman to be elected as bishop in the A.M.E. Church. That same year, she received her master's of theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Upon her election as bishop, she was appointed to serve as the presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal district of the AME Church, comprising Suriname, Guyana, the Windward Islands, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba and London, England. Not long after she was appointed, Hurricane Ivan caused severe damage in the region, especially in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, which made her first months in office very hectic. In 2008, at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, she was appointed to serve as bishop of the 8th Episcopal District, which comprises the US states of Louisiana and Mississippi. She retired in 2012. Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry served an unprecedented two terms as the Social Action Commission Chair, 2004-2012.
In addition to her ministry in the church, she has been actively involved in charitable and non-profit organizations. Tyler-Guidry served as the secretary on the board of the John F. Kennedy Hospital in Indio, president of the Riverside County Board of Mental Health, and Treasurer of the national board of One Church One Child. She is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
Bishop Guidry is the widow of Donovan Guidry, a retired officer in the United States Army, who died in June 2007 after a lengthy illness. She is the mother of six children, grandmother of thirteen and great-grandmother of eleven.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: Girlbishop122@aol.com
*Congratulations to John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder on his appointment as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina as of August 15, 2022
John Thomas III joined the Department of Political Science in August, 2022. His research interests include comparative race politics, social movements, democratic consolidation, minority rights and public policy with a regional focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. John's dissertation examined the evolution of the social movements of Black activists in Peru and Ecuador from 1980 to 2016 and their impacts on state institutions and the broader society. He has received funding from several entities to conduct his research including the University of Chicago Division of Social Sciences, the Tinker Foundation, the Fulbright Commission, TIAA-CREF, and the US Department of Education. He is also an American Political Science Association Diversity Fellow.
John has consulted on issues of Afro-Latinx social inclusion for the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the governments of Honduras and Peru. He has served as a Teaching Consultant at the Chicago Center for Teaching, taught Political Science courses at Chicago State University and was a Presidential Fellow at Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio through the Gift of Black Theology Collaborative.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: editor@thechristianrecorder.com.
*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, 20th Editor AMEC Christian Recorder and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor Celebrates 60th Wedding Anniversary
ANOTHER YEAR’S JOURNEY AND I AM GLAD ABOUT IT!
Congratulations to the Rev. Dr Calvin Herbert Sydnor III, retired 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor - Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary!
They were married on August 18, 1962 at St. James AME Church in Danville, Kentucky.
August 18th is a memorable day each year for Calvin, Charlotte, the Blake and Sydnor families, as it has been for the last 60 years!
August 18th is also the birthday of the Rev. Dr Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor. August 18, 1962 was on a Saturday and she wanted a Sunday wedding, but many of the wedding guests had traveled long distances to attend the wedding and her parents thought Saturday would be a more convenient day to allow wedding guests to attend the wedding and return home and to work on the following Monday.
Down through the years, several people have asked us for the “key” to our long marriage. One thing we know is that it wasn’t luck!
I feel blessed to have married such a wonderful woman. I knew she was going to be my wife shortly after meeting and getting to know her; that was in September 1961 at Wilberforce University. I met her and her friends in front of Shorter Hall. I was with my friend and roommate, Rodger Reed!
Long before I arrived at Wilberforce, I had decided that I would only marry an AME, and I believe that decision was a good one and got us off to a good start in our relationship and marriage.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: chsydnor@bellsouth.net
*Happy 95th Birthday to Mrs. Melanie Frances Jones Thibodeaux, widow of Rev. Dr. G.H.J. Thibodeaux (A.M.E. General Officer)
Mrs. Melanie Frances Jones Thibodeaux is the widow of Rev. Dr. G.H.J. Thibodeaux (A.M.E. General Officer and the Mother of Mrs. Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall. She will celebrate her 95th birthday on Saturday, August 27, 2022. A lifelong resident of Shreveport, LA, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas and additional hours in Special Education instruction from Grambling College. Mrs. Thibodeaux is a 1945 graduate of Central Colored High School in Shreveport.
Mrs. Thibodeaux has been a faithful member of St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church for more than 70 years, where she has the distinction of being the oldest member. Over those years, she served as a Steward, President and Vice President of the Women’s Missionary Society, Director of the Young People’s Department, Sunday School Teacher, Chair of Founder’s Day, Co-Chair of the Church's Anniversary and in many other capacities. To this day, she regularly attends church service, via the Church’s conference line. She also attends conference and connectional church meetings that are conducted via a virtual platform. Rev. Dr. Glenell Lee-Pruitt is her Pastor and Bishop and Supervisor Stafford J. N. Wicker are her Episcopal leaders.
Mrs. Thibodeaux became a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the A.M.E. Church in 1984 and has faithfully served on the local, conference and connectional levels. She currently serves as Life Member Coordinator for the Central North Louisiana Conference of the 8th District. Mrs. Thibodeaux served as Chair of the Budget and Financial Estimates Committee under the administration of then International WMS President, Mrs. Delores Kennedy Williams. She has also served as President of the Clergy Spouses organization of the 8th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. She and her committees planned and executed many fun and informative retreats.
Mrs. Thibodeaux served as the office manager for her late husband during his service to the A.M.E. Church as Director of Evangelism and Worship. She began her early classroom career as a substitute teacher at the Milam Street Special Education School. She was later hired as a Special Education teacher at Linear High School. When Green Oaks High School was built, in 1972, she and her students became the first Special Education class, there. While at Greek Oaks, Mrs. Thibodeaux was sponsor of the 4-H Club and a sponsor of the Senior Classes. She retired from Green Oaks High School in 1990.
Mrs. Thibodeaux pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at Paul Quinn College as a member of the Tau Beta Chapter. She transferred her membership to Beta Epsilon Zeta Chapter in 1955 and has enjoyed uninterrupted service in this organization for 67 years. Mrs. Thibodeaux is a past president of Beta Epsilon Zeta Chapter. She was the sponsor when Psi Sigma Chapter was chartered at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. She has served in many Chapter and Regional offices, in the Sorority. Through her guidance and example, her daughter also pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Prior to its dissolution, Mrs. Thibodeaux was an active member of the Shreveport -Bossier Chapter of Church Women United where she served as President and Vice President. Through her service, she was honored, by the Chapter, as a Woman of Valor.
Mrs. Thibodeaux has a caring heart and always thinks of others. A great example of this is how she reached out to her family, friends and business associates to collect funds to purchase items for 8th District members who were displaced because of hurricane Katrina. Her outreach provided more than four families with bedding, household goods, clothing and finances. Partnering with her daughter, she was able to provide jobs for the adult members who relocated to Dallas.
Mrs. Melanie Thibodeaux loves people and has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. She is known for leaving places better than she finds them. Happy 95th Birthday to Mrs. Melanie Thibodeaux.
Congratulatory expressions may be sent to: Mrs. Melanie Jones Thibodeaux
c/o 4830 Line Ave., Suite 141, Shreveport, LA 71106 or melaniethibodeaux723@gmail.com
*Caleb Akil Dickens was born to Pastor Conitras Dicken and Rev. Akil Dickens
On July 28, 2022, Caleb Akil Dickens was born to Pastor Conitras and Rev. Akil Dickens. Caleb is their firstborn weighing 6 lbs, 6 oz. Pastor Conitras Houston Dickens is the Senior Pastor of DuPage AME Church in Lisle, IL and the Special Assistant to Chief Information Officer/General Secretary, Dr. Jeffery Cooper. Rev. Akil Dickens serves alongside his wife as the Executive Pastor of DuPage AME Church.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:: revcmhouston@gmail.com
*Presiding Elder Ralph and Mrs. Pat Johnson will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on Saturday, August 27, 2022
Presiding Elder Ralph and Mrs. Pat Johnson will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The Rev. Dr. Johnson serves as the presiding elder of the North District of the Tennessee Annual Conference and as the very proud pastor of St. Paul Oakwood, TN.
Presiding Elder Johnson says, "We have shared and experienced so much during our wonderful years together, and God has blessed us through it all. We will celebrate with our children and grandchildren with fine-dining at an elegant restaurant in Nashville."
You may send congratulatory messages to: ameomega@bellsouth.net
*Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr. appointed the Grand Historian of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World
*Congratulations to the Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr., pastor of Bethel A. M. E. Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee for being appointed the Grand Historian of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World He is a professional Genealogist serving several families. Reverend Holman serves as an Assistant Grand Chaplain of the same order as well as State Chaplain and Historian of the Tennessee Association of Elks of which he wrote its history. He has written the history of his local lodge, Armistice Lodge #440, Chattanooga, TN. He is a product of Bishop College (now Paul Quinn College), Dallas, TX and Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Seminary, Atlanta, GA. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in History at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, a 501©(8) fraternal organization established 125 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio by Benjamin Franklin Howard and Arthur James Riggs, promoting charity, justice, brotherly, fidelity, & sisterly love. The organization claims descent from the Free African Society, our parent body in history. It is currently lead by Grand Exalted Ruler Leonard J. Polk, Jr., Esquire.
Congratulatory email messages can be emailed to: ajholmansr@gmail.com
*Rev. Walt "Baby" Love, longtime radio host and personality elected to the Radio Hall of Fame
*Congratulations to Rev. Walt "Baby" Love, longtime radio host & personality, on his election to the Radio Hall of Fame! Reverend Walter L. Shaw Jr., better known as Walt “Baby” Love, has been consistent in lending his unique blend of Christian faith, motivational and inspirational personal experiences to millions of listeners each week for over forty-nine years.
Having been the host of four uplifting radio programs; The Countdown With Walt “Baby” Love aired for an unprecedented twenty nine years from August 1982 thru August 2011; Gospel Traxx With Walt “Baby” Love for twenty two years (and still going strong); The Urban AC Countdown for fifteen years and the short form vignette program African American Making It Happen for seven years. Walt has been heard on hundreds of radio stations around the world throughout his career and his “Brand” is associated with excellence.
Rev. Love, an ordained Elder on the staff at FAME (Los Angeles), previously won the Billboard Music Award for Best Syndicated Show & the Stellar Award for Best Gospel Radio Personality. Rev. Walt is married to The Rev. Patricia Shaw, associate minister at Bethel AME (Oxnard).
Information on the induction ceremony (November 1, in Chicago) is available at Radio Hall Of Fame
https://www.radiohalloffame.com/
*Rev. Mindy L. Mayes pastor of Bethel AME Church Noblesville, IN elected the first African American President of the Rotary Club of Wabash, Indiana
Rev. Mindy L. Mayes, MPH, MDiv was elected the first African American President of the Rotary Club of Wabash, IN. She is the pastor of Bethel AME Church - Noblesville, IN. Mindy has served as the Pastor of Bethel-Noblesville for the last 4 years. Secularly she serves as a Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator with Purdue Extension Wabash County. In her position as President of the Wabash Rotary Club Mindy looks forward to taking action in the change of the world, improving the lives of citizens within Wabash County and beyond.
*Congratulations to MASTER JACOB CUTHBERT, III on his graduation from the Federal Teen
Academy
Congratulations to MASTER JACOB CUTHBERT, III on his graduation from the Federal Teen Academy. The Tampa Federal Teen Academy was held August 3rd and 4th at the FBI Tampa Field Office. The Federal Teen Academy allows high school students (14-to-17-year old's) an opportunity to get a comprehensive look into the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Attorney’s Office-Middle District of Florida (USAO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Participants were provided with several presentations on topics such as terrorism, drugs, cyber-crime, cybersecurity, human trafficking, gangs, guns, explosives, evidence response, surveillance techniques, SWAT, and the day-to-day operations of a federal agency. Participants were also afforded the opportunity to learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists, and professional staff about investigative tactics that include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses assisting with cases.
Master Jacob is a member of Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Orlando, FL and is the son of the Rev. Dr. Missiouri L. McPhee (Connectional Director of Boys Scouts).
Congratulatory messages can be sent to Jacob at Missiouri.McPhee@gmail.com
*Dr. Jacquelyn DuPont Walker Director of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to receive the Interreligious Council of Southern California 2022 Lucky Altman Lynch Award for Interfaith Excellence
The Interreligious Council of Southern California 2022 Lucky Altman Lynch Award for Interfaith Excellence will be presented to Dr. Jacquelyn DuPont-Walker for her Interfaith Excellence. Through the award the Council expresses its deep gratitude for her many years of work at local, regional, and national levels for economic justice, affordable housing, voter empowerment, racial equity, transportation, and interfaith collaboration especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award will be presented at a luncheon gathering at 11:30am on Tuesday, October 11, at the Baha’i Center, 5755 Obama Boulevard, Los Angeles. Altman Lynch, who, once staffed the Interreligious Council while serving as local leader of the National Council for Community and Justice looks forward to being on hand to present the award to Dr. DuPont-Walker.
The Interreligious Council of Southern California Lucky Altman Lynch Award for Interfaith Excellence is presented annually to deserving recipients who meet the criteria of living out the priority of their life’s work ‘to build bridges of understanding and to eliminate bias and bigotry to those who held a different belief system." The Executive Committee receives and approve nominations, and also consult with Lucky Altman Lynch during the selection process for each recipient. Dr. DuPont Walker’ extensive work with ICSoCal, particularly during the 1984 Olympics interfaith outreach and with the National Conference for Community and Justice, makes her well known to the ICSoCa.
The Interreligious Council fulfills the promise of its name with the participation of all of the major religions of the world. Official delegates of the member organizations take part in the planning, decision making, and implementation of all programs of the Council. Its mission is to promote Religious Pluralism, Diversity, and Collaboration in Southern California.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: jdupontwalker@gmail.com
*Ordination and Consecration of The Rt. Rev. Paula E. Clark as the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Chicago - the cousin of General Officer Retired Dr. Kenneth Hil
On September 17tth I was provided the opportunity to participate in the ordination and consecration of my cousin, The Rt. Rev. Paula E. Clark as the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Chicago.
Paula Clark is the first Black person and first woman to serve as Chicago’s diocesan bishop. She leads more than 30,000 Episcopalians in 124 congregations and campus ministries across northern and west central Illinois.
Bishop Mariann Budde of the Diocese of Washington, where Clark served as canon to the ordinary before her election to the episcopacy, preached the consecration sermon. “Being in the presence of Paula Clark and watching her in action is like taking a master class in Christian leadership.
That was true before all that transpired in the last 18 months, and it is even more so now,” Budde said, referring to the cerebral bleed that Clark suffered in April 2021, just days before she was originally scheduled to be ordained and consecrated, and to the death of Clark’s husband from multiple myeloma in November.
“Paula, you have lived the last 18 months as if everything we proclaim as followers of Jesus is true,” Budde said.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was the chief consecrating bishop.
Peace and Love,
Rev. Kenneth H. Hill Ph.D. hilldrkenneth@comcast.net
Pastor
Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church
*Two AMEs Receive Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement and Volunteer Service Award
L-R – Reverend Alvelyn Sanders-Swafford and Dr. Georgianne Thomas
Congratulations to Dr. Georgianne Thomas (6th District) and Reverend Alvelyn Sanders-Swafford (9th District), a mother-daughter duo, on each receiving a 2022 Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement and Volunteer Service Award in a ceremony on Friday, August 26, 2022, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where many other distinguished recipients were honored.
Dr. Thomas received the award for her work and courage as an activist in the Atlanta Student Movement while she was a student at Spelman College in Atlanta in the 1960s. Reverend Sanders-Swafford was honored in the Media/Storytellers category. She received the award for her work as the producer, writer, and director of the independent, award-winning documentary, “Foot Soldiers: Class of 1964.” The film tells the story of the women of the Class of 1964 at Spelman College who participated in the largest coordinated series of protests in Atlanta’s history during their freshman year. Reverend Sanders-Swafford and her mother, who tells her story in the film, produced the project together. The film was entered in the U.S. Congressional Record in May 2022 to commemorate the contributions of the “foot soldiers” and the 10th Anniversary of the documentary. It premiered in the 2012 BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta, before making its television debut on Atlanta’s PBS station, WPBA-TV30. “Foot Soldiers: Class of 1964” received two awards at the 21st Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles in February 2013: Best Documentary Short (57mins) in the juried competition and Audience Favorite in the Documentary Short category. The filmmakers completely volunteered their time to make this film, which still resonates with audiences a decade later. It will be featured on Maryland Public Television (PBS) in September 2022 as a part of that station’s HBCU Week of special programming,
Dr. Thomas and Reverend Sanders-Swafford give God praise for the distinguished honor of the Presidential Award, which is bestowed on behalf of the President of the United States, Points of Light, and AmeriCorps. They are grateful for the blessing of producing the documentary. It was produced as a gift to pay homage to the courage and sacrifice of the “foot soldiers” and the Atlanta Student Movement participants. Dr. Georgianne Thomas is a member of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where she is a Trustee Emeritus. She is an Adjunct Professor of Humanities at Clark Atlanta University.
Reverend Alvelyn Sanders-Swafford is the pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church (Avondale) in Birmingham, AL. She serves as a member of the administrative staff for Bishop Harry L. Seawright, and as a member of the staff for General Secretary/CIO Reverend Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, upon invitation, for connectional meetings. Reverend Sanders-Swafford serves on the Finance Committee and the Board of Examiners of the Northwest Alabama Annual Conference, and she is married to Reverend Raymond Swafford, the pastor of Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church (Kingston) in Birmingham, AL.
Reverend Sanders-Swafford has served as an Instructor at Morris Brown College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Sanders- Swafford was one of 15 writers selected to participate in the inaugural Master Class of Memoir Writing at the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University. As a member of the faculty at Morris Brown College, she was one of twenty instructors selected nationally to participate in the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation Faculty Seminar on the television entertainment industry held in Los Angeles.
For more information about the honorees, please visit:
They may be reached via email at:
Dr. Georgianne Thomas - - georgiannethomas@gmail.com
Rev. Alvelyn Sanders-Swafford - -alvelynsanders@gmail.com
*Reverend and Mrs. Charles Singleton Celebrate 65th Wedding Anniversary
It’s “Another Day” of THANK YOU JESUS! THANK YOU LORD! as expressed by REVEREND & MRS. CHARLES (Jeanette Pinckney) Singleton of Awendaw, SC. The couple met and became sweethearts 83 years ago. On September 7, 1957 they became ONE. On September 7, 2022 (they celebrated) 65 years of marriage. They are still very active and sharing with many groups and organizations. Reverend Singleton is a Superannuated Pastor in the AME Church and Sister Jeanette is a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church. They thank, respect, praise and appreciate their family members, acquaintances, and friends for their kindness and respect. TO GOD BE THE GLORY as they celebrate their BLUE SAPPHIRE ANNIVERSARY!
Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to: JeanettePSing@att.net
*Congratulations Rev. Alexander for 50 years of faithfulness to God’s Calling
|
*Bishop Michael Mitchell and Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell, Episcopal Leadership Team of the Twelfth District / New Grandson Arrival, Robert Jerome Hodges, III, “aka” R3
Bishop and Episcopal Supervisor Mitchell lovingly holding their new grandson Robert Jerome Hodges, III, “aka” R3
Bishop Michael Mitchell and Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell, daughter and son-in-law, Channing and Robert Hodges, II, announce with great joy and excitement the arrival of Robert Jerome Hodges, III, “aka” R3! He was born on November 15th, weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz. Although he surprised us and came three weeks early, he is doing well and has already captured the hearts of his mom, dad,
G-Pop, Honey and TiTi Coco.
We give God all the glory for blessing Channing to have a safe delivery. And we pray that God will sustain and strengthen the new parents to get through the newborn stage of sleepless nights and days.
Grace and peace,
Bishop Michael and Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell
TWELFTH DISTRICT
520 North Locust Street
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501) 375-4310
(501) 375-0306 (FAX)
https://www.ame12.org
bishopmitchell134@gmail.com
*Former Connectional Officers Drs. John Q. and Dorothy Owens are Proud Grandparents
of Kevin Owens, II
Former Connectional Officers, Drs. John Q. and Dorothy Owens, “Proud Grandparents” of Kevin Owens, II, graduate of Emery - Riddle Aeronautical University, undergraduate and master’s degree, Summa Cum Laude, started his professional career, age 25 at NASA Kennedy Space Center as a Space Systems Engineer!! His Goal is to become an Astronaut.
Kelvin in his conference room and office
A continuation of pictures (launch up)
Artemis I, The last Launch into space. Presently in preparation for Artemis II that will Launch In 2024
“For it’s good to be children sometimes, and never better than Christmas, when it’s Mighty Founder was a Child Himself.”
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
mrsdo7@aol.com (Drs. John Q. and Dorothy Owens).
*The Johnson’s Celebrate Thirty Years of Marriage
The Rev. Wayne A. Johnson, Pastor, Shiloh AME Church, Morganton, North Carolina and Sis. Fredia A. Hanley-Johnson, 3rd Connectional President, CONN-M-SWAWO + PK’S
On December 6, 2022, Fredia Ann Hanley-Johnson and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. So, this is how the story began. While pastoring in the First Episcopal District, I was elected a delegate to the General Conference from the New York Annual Conference. The General Conference was held in Orlando, Florida in 1992. At the General Conference, I saw a young lady on the stage, and I remarked to members of the delegation “I am going to marry this young lady.” Fredia was a delegate from the Twelfth Episcopal District.
We were introduced by mutual friends and talked during the duration of the General Conference. As the Conference closed, I proposed and gave her time to respond. On Sunday, December 6, 1992 in the sanctuary of Saint John AME Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma we were united in marriage. There was an ice storm that day and the late Bishop Frederick Hilborn Tolbert, Presiding Prelate of the Twelfth Episcopal District was to officiate, however due to weather conditions he was unable to travel from Little Rock, Arkansas. The officiant for our wedding was the late Dr. Benjamin Salter Roberts, Presiding Elder of the Tulsa District, who also baptized her and was her beloved pastor for over thirty-six years. It was a wonderful wedding and Fredia was a beautiful bride.
In reflecting upon our thirty years as Fredia often states and I concur: “every day has not been a rosy day, but we made it through with God’s help and prayers of our family and friends.”
From our wedding day until this day, we became a “blended family” having seven children and we are blessed with sixteen grandchildren. She is a phenomenal woman serving as first lady to congregations which I have pastored in the First, Twelfth and Second Episcopal Districts of our great church being affectionately called: “Sister Fredia”. By divine favor, she has been an Annual Conference Minister’s Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization plus PK’s president, an Episcopal District Minister’s Spouses Widows and Widowers Organization plus PK’s president and served for eight and one-half years as the third Connectional president of the Connectional Minister’s Spouses Widows and Widowers Organization plus PK’s of the AME Church.
Indeed, Fredia Ann Hanley-Johnson is an extraordinary wife, mother, and grandmother (a.k.a. “Sugar”) worthy of notable recognition, honor, and respect. Happy 30th Anniversary to my bride.
Contact: pastorwajsr@gmail.com
On behalf of Social Action Commission Chair, Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, and Mrs. Jacquelyn DuPont-Walker, Director/ Consultant Social Action Commission, we extend congratulations as you praise God for the Joy of these significant milestones.
Ora L. Easley,
International Administrator
